Ottawa Police giving an update now:
Deputy Chief Steve Bell says 22 arrests, more than 1,300 tickets issued.
Says they continue to cut off logistics and fuel supply. Towing is underway.
He says officers were swarmed during one incident yesterday.
Deputy Chief Steve Bell says 22 arrests, more than 1,300 tickets issued.
Says they continue to cut off logistics and fuel supply. Towing is underway.
He says officers were swarmed during one incident yesterday.
Officers are being briefed on enforcement of the court injunction and their role.
Bell says almost a quarter of the 1,800 trucks here have children living in them. He notes this as a risk during criminal investigations.
He says they’ve learned some people have wanted to leave the blockade and officers are working to allow them to leave.
Bell says only minor injuries to officers during some altercations with protestors.
Clarification on steps for moving on trucks with children inside: Bell says this has been noted since the beginning and is very concerning.
Carbon monoxide and fumes, noise, cold, access to sanitation, all of these are concerns for kids in this duration, Bell says.
Carbon monoxide and fumes, noise, cold, access to sanitation, all of these are concerns for kids in this duration, Bell says.
He says no enforcement around this, CAS will give guidance. Noting it just complicates the police response.
Bell says there is a level of sophistication with the demonstrators trying to subvert any police enforcement effort. Calls it quite concerning.
@TedFriendlyGuy asks about immobilized vehicles in the core, cars on blocks for example and issues getting tows.
Bell: extremely concerning the vehicles being used to block areas. He says there are many complexities to ending the occupation. Size of area and vehicles a problem.
Bell: extremely concerning the vehicles being used to block areas. He says there are many complexities to ending the occupation. Size of area and vehicles a problem.
Bell says requests for all resources and those available to them are being met, and not just more officers. Will ask for anything they need.
No timeline for end of demonstration. “We want this occupation to end as soon as possible.”
Towing options continue to be monitored and discussed, including possible providers outside the Ottawa area.
On the number of jerry cans still being carried around the core: No specific strategy on this, Bell says, officers still enforcing it as they can and use powers at their disposal. Situational too.
Bell asked by @Gray_Mackenzie about messaging on strict enforcement on fuel moving through yesterday and protestors very clearly violating orders walking by police.
Bell says enforcement is happening, several examples of gasoline being seized yesterday. He mentions backup was needed during one incident yesterday, and numbers are a factor in enforcement.
‘Options are continually being explored to remove vehicles and protestors asap.’
Asked about the Lisgar apartment arson investigation: Bell says investigation is ongoing, no updates. Calls it “very troubling and very terrible act.”
No link at this point to the occupation but residence are very upset and fearful.
No link at this point to the occupation but residence are very upset and fearful.
He says @cmckenney, residents at the building and police are meeting today.
Continue to try and see if they can have any meaning dialogue with occupation leaders. He says police liaison officers are handling these discussions.
Enforcement will continue.
Enforcement will continue.
Bell says all officers brought in not necessarily just boots on the ground but it’s part of it. Notes current footprint needs about 400 officers a day.
Asked about number of current staging/fuel areas, Bell says they’re continuing to monitor them and shut them down.
@TedFriendlyGuy asks about rank and file morale.
Bell: Members are very tired. Working extremely hard in difficult conditions to manage this and it’s been challenging. Morale is challenged through this.
Bell: Members are very tired. Working extremely hard in difficult conditions to manage this and it’s been challenging. Morale is challenged through this.
That’s a wrap.
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